Cherry Hill, N.J. – Young artists with disabilities gathered to showcase their exceptional talents at the Fifth Annual Tri-State Ability Art Show, hosted by Y.A.L.E. School at its Performing Arts Center in Cherry Hill. Students with disabilities ages 3-21 with an IEP or 504 Plan from the greater Philadelphia region showcased their original artwork including paintings, sculptures, mixed media displays and more.

The Art Show featured 480 works of art created by students from 27 public and private schools across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Participating artists included those with autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral disabilities, as well as students with visual and/or hearing impairments. More than 500 guests visited the gallery over its two-day engagement.

“While the theme ‘Making Magic’ captures the spirit of the event, the real magic is in seeing the excitement of students as they walk into the venue and see their artwork on display,” said Karen Donnelly, art teacher at Y.A.L.E. School and Art Show organizer. “This show is about more than art – it’s an empowering experience that helps young artists find their confidence and share their creativity with the world.” To further the mission of community engagement, another key objective of the event, Certified American Sign Language interpreters translated the awards ceremony to ensure that all winners and their families, regardless of disability, would experience the thrill of well-deserved recognition. Prize ribbons for juried works were made by Y.A.L.E. School students in the Y.A.L.E. School Vocational Skills Lab and Co-op.

In addition to awards for juried categories presented by community partners Mural Arts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Art Education Association, Art Educators of New Jersey, Perkins Center for the Arts, Arts Ed NJ and Eilandarts Center, the Art Show also featured crafts tables where families could engage in art activities together.

Attendees had the unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause by purchasing customized T-shirts and mugs featuring a design created by students at the Y.A.L.E. Ellisburg campus and printed on hi-tech equipment at the Y.A.L.E. School Vocational Skills Lab & Co-op in Cherry Hill by students gaining job skills at in the Y.A.L.E. Standard 9 Transition Program located at Camden County College. Merchandise was adorned with the phrase “Making Magic.” In total, $1,500 was raised through the Art Show to support Mural Arts Philadelphia’s art education programming, which impacts over 2,000 youth in the Philadelphia region each year. These programs are available both in-school and after-school, and offered at no cost to students and their families at recreation centers and through summer initiatives.

New to this year’s Art Show was the addition of a Craft Fair. Over 25 local vendors participated, offering handmade goods, custom artwork, jewelry and more. Attendees also enjoyed a magical performance by “Magic By Ed,” a nod to this year’s theme “Making Magic.”

“For five years, we’ve had the privilege of hosting this Art Show, and every year it surpasses expectations in both size and significance,” added Donnelly. “It’s inspiring to witness the way it nurtures creativity and keeps young artists coming back year to year. This show has truly become a celebration of their growth, and we are proud to continue fostering an environment where young artists can thrive.”

About Y.A.L.E. School NJ
Y.A.L.E. School is a New Jersey state-approved private special education school with 12 campus locations throughout southern New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia region serving students with disabilities ages 3 through 21. Y.A.L.E. School offers a highly specialized program for students with autism and other social, emotional, learning, and behavioral disabilities that provides low student-to-staff ratios, supervision by highly-trained and certified behavior specialists, a comprehensive curriculum, intensive transition support, integrated and consultative speech services, support for families, and an extended school year program in the summer. Since 1976, students with disabilities have been placed at Y.A.L.E. School locations by their local school district and attend at no cost to parents. For more information, go to www.yaleschoolnj.com.